Winery: Tapanappa
Region: Whalebone Vineyard, Wrattonbully, South Australia
Variety: Merlot (100%)
Your Wine Guy says:
Only 240 6-bottle cases produced.
This is a Merlot so good that Tapanappa would not (nor should they have) let it be blended, and I must admit it’s one of the best varietal Merlot I have tried to date. Despite its minute quantity, 240 of these 6-bottle cases made, Your Wine Guy is proud to be able to offer you this exceptionally quality Australian Merlot that surpasses any local rival and even many top Cabernets. A stunning wine with intense power yet with finesse, built to last many years in the cellar. A complex combination of intense dark plums with blackberry, blueberry, mocha and spice drawing you in from the nose. The palate is opulent but a little restrained at this young age. Well integrated French oak and layers of black fruit characters greet the palate with excellent purity and intensity of both flavour and aroma.
96 Points YWG Drink to 2021+
The winemaker says:
The Whalebone Vineyard terroir exerts its strength across all four of the varieties grown there and Merlot develops the smoky Eucalyptus, anise and fresh earth aromas and flavours that are the signature of this distinguished site. The Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Merlot has the ripe plum and exotic spice of Merlot from the warm vintage. The very sweet fruit middle palate is matched by a significant bulk of tannin providing a fine grained and savoury finish.
Brian Croser Winemaker